In our guide today, we will briefly discuss the Mthatha meaning in South Africa.
The guide will also show you the history and evolution of the city.
Mthatha city was founded in 1879 and declared the Transkei’s capital, the Xhosa’s homeland, during the apartheid era.
Transkei is now part of the Easter Cape province, previously called Umtata.
Mthatha Meaning
Mthatha city stands on the banks of the Mtata river and is the colorful and lively center of the region.
The name of the city derives from the word ‘thatha’ (taker), owning to the damages and fatalities caused by the flooding of river Mtata.
This is the Mthatha meaning in South Africa.
History Of Mthatha
Settlement in this area existed in the 1870s as a buffer zone in response to reported tensions between Pondo and neighboring Thembu groups.
In 1875, a magistrate office was opened and the first magistrate appointed was JF Boyes.
Settlement in the area developed, and in 1882 it became a military post for the British colonial forces.
Mthatha town itself was founded in 1883 along the banks of the Mthatha River.
This is the History of Mthatha city in South Africa.
Check This Also: Thrift Stores Near Me In Mthatha.
How Did The City Evolve?
The town became the leading administrative center of the area having both Anglican and catholic cathedrals.
The town then became the headquarters of the Transkeian Territories General Council, and the building that served as a parliament was erected in 1903.
Construction of the town hall followed in 1908, and a branch of the University of Fort Hare was established.
After the independence of the Transkei in 1977, the university changed to the University of Transkei.
In 2005 the university was merged with the Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon to form Walter Sisulu University for Technology and Science.
Mthatha high court was opened on 1st august 1973.
Mthatha served as the capital of Transkei under the name ‘Umtata.’
Umtata was renamed Mthatha on 2nd march 2004.
This is all the information you need about Mthatha meaning in South Africa.
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